Higher Education Student Welfare and Support
Loughborough College is committed to promoting an environment, where every learner is treated with respect and dignity.
Loughborough Colleges' HE Welfare Team are here to help
We understand that transitioning to higher education can be difficult.
For many, moving away from home for the first time can make this more challenging and be a daunting and overwhelming time. You may have worries about how you will find the transition, be experiencing feelings of anxiety or simply have lots of questions. This is completely normal and you will not be alone if you experience this.
If you are struggling, please contact us and we will be happy to support you.
All higher education students have access the the HE Welfare Team who can provide help and support in a variety of areas including:
- Housing Issues
- Finances and Budgeting
- General Wellbeing and Mental Health
- Social Isolation
- Anxiety
- Relationship Breakdown
- Sexual Health
- Bereavement
- Homesickness
- Extenuating Circumstances
- Liaising with academic tutors and curriculum leads on your behalf when needed
- Liaising, signposting and referring to external professionals and agencies as appropriate
Welfare and Support services
The HE Welfare and Support Team are here to support higher education students with a range of welfare and wellbeing related needs. This one to one support is free, impartial, non-judgemental and confidential.
Academic Tutors
We have a team of Academic Tutors here to support you to develop the higher-level study skills required for degree level study. Available for 1:1 support, or groups sessions, our Academic Tutors can support with topics such as essay writing, referencing, presentation skills, critical thinking and time management to name a few.
If you wish to discuss any concerns or have any queries prior to starting, please email Academic Support.
Mental Health Support
If you’re already seeking support for mental health difficulties outside of College, we can work with you and anyone involved, in maintaining your mental health to support your studies and help you to progress towards your goals.
If you aren’t already accessing support for your mental health, but feel this would be beneficial, we can support you and help you to access services as appropriate.
The College also has a team of mental health first aiders who are trained to support with mental health related needs and can be utilised when experiencing challenges on site.
Drop-in Services
The College offers a range drop-in services including a HE welfare drop in to support with welfare and wellbeing related needs and an academic support drop in to support with a range of academic and pastoral needs.
College Counselling Services
Students who feel they would benefit from a face to face counselling service can access this through our college counsellor. The counsellor offers six face-to-face sessions which students can be referred for.
Please email HE Welfare for more information or to make a referral.
Sexual Misconduct & Harassment
Visit our single source of information for our policies, procedures around sexual misconduct and harassment, and intimate personal relationships between staff and students as well as providing information about reporting and support options.
Sexual Health
You can access free condoms as well as sexual health advice and support on site.
Please email HE Welfare or speak confidentially to one of the HE Welfare Team.
Chaplaincy
Chaplains are available to anyone wanting to understand or explore world faiths, their own spirituality, or just in need of someone to listen.
College Therapy Dogs
The College has therapy dogs on site who are on hand to bring a smile to your face and support positive mental health and wellbeing when needed.
LGBTQ+
We offer LGBTQ+ one to one support from a specialist LGBTQ+ consultant.
Emma Vaughn-Ginns
Higher Education Welfare Officer
Student Support
If you have a disability, mental health condition, specific learning difference (for example Dyslexia) or medical condition and feel that you require support during your studies we advise you to start your application for Disabled Students Allowances’ (DSA) now if you haven’t done so already.
If you are not aware of this funding, you can apply via your Student Finance Account, guidance links can be found below.
Support could include regular meetings with a 1:1 Specialist Mental Health Mentor, Autism Spectrum Condition or ADHD Mentor, a Specialist Dyslexia or Autism Spectrum Condition Study Skills Tutor. If you have a visual impairment, you can access funding for sighted guide support and/or note-taking support. You can also access funding for assistive technology and funding towards travel.
Please be aware that The Learning Support Centre are the College’s chosen provider of this support. They are a local specialist provider and have been supporting students for over 23 years.
If you are currently in receipt of DSA in a higher education institution and have existing support in place for an external provider, you can decide whether or not you wish to remain with your existing provider or transfer this support to The Learning Support Centre.
If you are applying for DSA, or have any questions, please contact The Learning Support Centre on the details provided.
Useful links:
What is Disabled Students Allowance - DSA
Applying Disabled Students' Allowance - DSA
The Learning Support Centre
Rhiann Pugh - Loughborough Support Coordinator
Email Learning Support Centre
Call on 0116 254 8881
External Services
Bespoke for higher education students is our partnership with HE Health Assured, who deliver a free 24 hour a day, 365 day a year confidential helpline, online portal and App service. HE Health Assured provide a range of advice, information and support services, as well as offering a confidential counselling service.
Further information will be available to you as part of your induction. In addition to this, the college welcomes a number of external services and agencies on to site, including but not limited to Living without Abuse, Vita Minds and Turning Point.
Useful links
See more Visit our next Open Day
Next steps How to apply for Higher Education
Need help Ask us any questions
